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How To: Make A Table Runner From Wooden Paint Sticks

by on Dec 9, 2014

Lexy Ward

Sometimes I take advantage of the freebies at the hardware store. There are just so many uses for so many of the products! Paint sticks are free for customers to take and I have used leftovers for many projects. This table runner is an easy project that you can whip up in an afternoon. And all of the supplies can be found at the hardware store. Win win.      

DIY Wood Paintstick Tablerunner
Lexy Ward

Materials needed:

DIY Paint Stick Table Runner
Lexy Ward
  • paint stir sticks (35-40 depending on length of table – 12 were free, I paid a few bucks for the rest!)
  • paint
  • paint brush
  • tape
  • staple gun
DIY Paint Stick Tablerunner
Lexy Ward

Step 1. Paint the bottom half of the sticks. Measuring the width of five sticks, lay a strip of tape underneath to create a crisp paint edge. Cover the sticks with a light coat of paint. Wait for it to dry, and then paint one more.

Peel the tape off immediately after painting the second coat and allow the sticks to dry. It takes about 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the paint.

To assemble the table runner, staple sections of five sticks together. Lay out the sticks in the desired pattern before stapling all the ends together.

Tip: If any of the staple ends won’t lay flat on the underside, use a butter knife to push them down.

Once you’ve achieved the desired length for your table, carefully lift up and place on your table. Decorate. Enjoy!

DIY Paint Stick Table Runner
Lexy Ward

DIY Paint Stick Table Runner
Lexy Ward

DIY Paint Stick Table Runner
Lexy Ward

DIY Paint Stick Table Runner
Lexy Ward

It also makes for some unique wall art! 

DIY Paint Stick Table Runner
Lexy Ward

Aside from stirring paint, have you ever used wooden paint sticks for a project? We’d love to know!

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2 Comments

  1. I’m fairly certain most paint stores/departments would be pretty annoyed with anyone tried to grab 35 – 40 stir sticks at once. This could easily be made with some thin wood pieces cut into strips.

  2. Ha! You’re totally right! I just added a note in the tutorial about how I was given a dozen for free and paid for the rest! Thanks! 🙂Â